Lucy Pilgrim is an in-house writer for Food & Beverage Outlook Magazine, where she is responsible for interviewing corporate executives and crafting original features for the...
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Tesco has renewed its partnership with Harper Adams University’s School of Sustainable Food and Farming for another three years, having already supported more than 200 young farmers develop skills in sustainable agriculture.
Tesco has announced a three-year extension to its partnership with Harper Adams University’s School of Sustainable Food and Farming, reaffirming its commitment to supporting young farmers across the UK.
The university’s Future Farmer Programme has already helped more than 200 participants strengthen their business knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to develop resilient farming enterprises. The initiative is aimed at farmers under the age of 40 and offers a combination of industry visits, online learning, and mentoring from experts working throughout the food supply chain.
Simon Thelwell, Director of the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University, is delighted to continue the institution’s partnership with Tesco.
Simon Thelwell, Director of the School of Sustainable Food and Farming, Harper Adams University
“Over the past three years, we have seen first-hand the value of investing in the next generation of farming leaders, helping them build the confidence, networks, and skills needed to navigate a rapidly changing industry. We are excited to further develop the programme, strengthen its impact, and continue supporting ambitious farmers as they transition towards more resilient and sustainable production systems”
Simon Thelwell, Director of the School of Sustainable Food and Farming, Harper Adams University
PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION
The Future Farmer Programme provides participants with a broader understanding of the food production system, offering insight into every stage of the journey from farm to retailer.
Alongside improving commercial awareness, it explores practical approaches to enhancing productivity, protecting nature, addressing climate-related challenges, and strengthening long-term business resilience.
Tesco says the partnership forms part of its wider commitment to supporting British agriculture and helping farmers transition towards more sustainable food production.
Natalie Smith, Head of Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries at Tesco, strongly believes in the programme’s ability to support British young farmers.
Natalie Smith, Head of Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries, Tesco
“As British agriculture’s biggest customer, we know how important it is to invest in the people who will shape the future of farming. Supporting young farmers to build skills in sustainability, innovation, and resilience is vital if we are to maintain a strong British food supply for generations to come.
Natalie Smith, Head of Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries, Tesco
“This programme gives farmers practical experience, expert insight, and a valuable network of peers across the industry. We’re excited to see the next cohort build on its success and help drive positive change across UK agriculture.”
SHARING KNOWLEDGE
The renewed programme comes as research continues to highlight growing demand for practical advice and greater collaboration around sustainable farming practices and biodiversity.
By connecting participants with experienced mentors, industry specialists, and fellow farmers, the initiative aims to bridge knowledge gaps and encourage the exchange of real-world solutions.
Lessons and feedback gathered through the Future Farmer Programme have also contributed to Tesco’s Greenprint for UK Farming report, also produced in partnership with Harper Adams University’s School of Sustainable Food and Farming.
The report outlines practical recommendations designed to support the future of UK agriculture and help farmers adopt more sustainable approaches whilst maintaining productive, profitable businesses.
“It is fantastic to have the opportunity to build on the success of the Future Farmer Programme over the next three years. We will be creating even more opportunities for delegates to engage with sustainability, innovation, and practical business change that can deliver long-term impact across the sector,” says Alex Hardie, Programme Lead at Harper Adams University.
Alex Hardie, Programme Lead at Harper Adams University.
This article was produced by the editorial team at Food & Beverage Outlook and published as part of the Outlook Publishing global network of B2B industry magazines.
Outlook Publishing delivers industry insights, company stories, and sector coverage across food production, manufacturing, supply chains, construction, healthcare, mining, and sustainability.
Food & Beverage Outlook provides ongoing coverage of organisations and developments shaping the global food and beverage sector.
Lucy Pilgrim is an in-house writer for Food & Beverage Outlook Magazine, where she is responsible for interviewing corporate executives and crafting original features for the magazine, corporate brochures, and the digital platform.
